asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons supplied through the Employment Exchanges for hoeing, singling and harvesting sugar-beet for the years 1930, 1931, 1932 and 1933; and if he is able to give the total number of regular and casual workers employed in the sugar-beet industry during those years?

The numbers of engagements made through the Exchanges for this work during each of the years 1930 to 1933 were 5,923, 3,407, 3,367 and 5,469 respectively. I regret that information is not available regarding the second part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these figures may not give a correct record of the numbers employed in this industry, as many of them have been engaged in other ways?

I have no doubt that that may be so, but I have given the figures asked for in the question. The question, of course, deals with engagements made through the Employment Exchanges.

Is the Minister aware that a great number of regular workers only retain whole-time employment on farms in East Anglia and other parts of England on account of the work which sugar-beet growing entails?

I have no doubt at all that, prima facie, what my hon. and gallant Friend says is true.